1) Introduction. Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

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1 Table of Contents 1. Introduction Executive Summary The State of Agriculture and Rural Life in Antigua and Barbuda... 5 a. Factors in the national context b. Changes in the legislation and policies on agriculture and rural life c. Institutional reforms in the rural milieu d. Agri-food trade and the development of agribusinesses e. Agricultural health and food safety f. Sustainable rural development 4. Results of the Implementation of the National Technical Cooperation Agenda in Antigua and Barbuda during a. IICA s contribution to the Repositioning of Agriculture and rural Life b. Promoting trade and the competitiveness of agribusiness c. Strengthening Agricultural Health and Food Safety Systems d. Promoting the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources and the Environment e. Strengthening Rural Communities Based on the Territorial Approach 5. Results of Interagency Cooperation Other Activities New Opportunities for Technical Cooperation Main Activities Organized by IICA List of Publications List of Acronyms

2 1) Introduction Tourism and construction again were the leading sectors as Antigua and Barbuda saw an unprecedented increase in building construction, including a new stadium and road works in preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup, held in March. The year also marked the 40 th Antigua Sanford Sailing Week and 50 th Anniversary of Carnival. All these events brought large numbers of visitors to the country. A number of agroprocessors used the opportunity to showcase their products with cricket bat shaped hot sauces and other special edition products. The Institute continued its work in agricultural health and food safety, promoting trade and competitiveness of agribusinesses and contribution to the repositioning of agriculture and rural life, promoting the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment, and strengthening rural communities based on the territorial approach. 40th Annual Sailing Week 50th Carnival Celebration Sir Vivian Richards Stadium 2

3 2) Executive Summary IICA s contribution to the repositioning of agriculture and rural life: Supported greater stakeholder participation in the national consultation and questionnaire on expectations of stakeholders for the next five years that was conducted in preparation for the fourth ministerial meeting. Technical assistance was given to the ministerial delegate in the preparation of the national report. Supported the attendance of the Minister of State to the IABA and Fourth Ministerial meeting held in Guatemala in July. Technical assistance given to CABA in developing a plan for the agri-business private sector which will enhance the capacity of agri-businesses in Antigua and Barbuda to become more competitive and increase their profitability. This plan was discussed during a stakeholder consultation. Promoting trade and the competitiveness of agri-business: Agro-processors showcased their products at the second annual IICA Mostoutstanding Agro-processors Award competition held during the Annual Christian Valley Mango Festival in July. The capability of agri-business entrepreneurs in the country to conduct successful enterprises will be improved though the launch of an agri-business CD Rom. This was done in collaboration with CARDI and the Ministry of Agriculture. Strengthening agricultural health and food safety systems: The office supported a series of training activities targeted towards improving the safety of food in the country, especially street vended foods. A series of training in food safety was conducted during eleven months of this year, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Central Board of Health. Strengthening agricultural health and food safety systems: Antigua and Barbuda was host to the Twelfth Meeting of the Coordinating Group of Pesticides Control Board in the Caribbean. IICA provided technical assistance for the planning and conducting of the meeting. Promoting the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment: The office supported the promotion of sustainable management of the environment by giving technical advice and participation in the National Focal Group of the Global Environmental Facility. 3

4 Strengthening rural communities based on the territorial approach: IICA supported a member of Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Forum for Youth to attend a Caribbean Agricultural Forum for Youth executive meeting in held in Dominica and a workshop in Jamaica, the later held during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture 4

5 3) The state of Agriculture and Rural Life in Antigua and Barbuda a. Factors in the national context In 2007 Antigua and Barbuda had a few major events which had an impact on the economy of the country. In April was held the International Cricket Council Cricket World Cup, the Fortieth Annual Sanford Antigua Sailing Week and in August the Fiftieth Carnival Celebrations. These three events brought large numbers of visitors to the country and there was an increase in construction of visitor accommodations in the months preceding these events. Labour for agriculture was very scarce as a result of these activities. The major drivers of growth in 2006 and early 2007 had been construction and tourism, in the later part of 2007 these slowed down due to completion of projects (ECCB). The Antigua Black Pineapple was promoted during the ICC Cricket World Cup; with production being geared to meet this target. In the months of February to April, over 24,000lbs/10,886.16kgs of pineapple were produced by the Cades Bay Government Agriculture Station. Some pineapple producers also increased their production. Antigua Black Fishing boats (Photo: Fisheries Division) The contribution of the agriculture sector to GDP continues to decline. Although total output of the sector has been increasing, the rate of growth is slower than most other sectors, at 5.55% in 2007(ECCB); thus its overall contribution to the economy is reducing. The output for crop and fisheries increased in The livestock output for large ruminants declined, however, small stock and pigs increased in output. The fisheries sub-sector continues to contribute the largest portion of the total contribution of agriculture to GDP, with fish and lobster export exceeding EC$2million/US$746,268 in 2007 (Fisheries Division). Poultry represents a growing sub-sector with egg production in 2007 reaching 6.8million eggs at a value of EC$3.3 million/us$1.2 million (Veterinary and Livestock Division). The output for 2008 is projected to be even higher with the Sanderson egg farm getting back into production. 5

6 b. Changes in the legislation and policies on agriculture and rural life A series of meetings were held to discuss a Land Use Policy on agriculture. Further work needs to be done in order to complete this very important policy, which will shape the development of the sector into the future. Four Acts are in the process of passing into law on animal health, plant health, food safety and pesticides control. The enactment of these legislations and their implementation will provide a necessary legislative framework for the development of modern agriculture systems in Antigua and Barbuda. The Bio-Safety Clearing House (BCH) project which began in 2006 came to an end in The project activities focused on training of stakeholder groups in use of the information in the BCH, procuring equipment to facilitate the activities of the clearing house and a website constructed. Public awareness activities in this area were also undertaken. The project strengthened the country s capacity to implement its agreements in this regard. c. Institutional reforms in the rural milieu As a means of collecting agricultural statistics for crops and livestock production, the Ministry of Agriculture conducted an agricultural census during the month of November, with the theme Counting Farmers for Food Security. The official launch of the census was on World Food Day, 16 October, at the Agriculture Extension Division, Plot to Plot Competition Prize-giving Ceremony; the last agricultural census was done in The data from the census will be used for a number of programmes including agricultural planning, for obtaining reliable data on the structure of the sector such as, but not limited to age and gender of farmers, obtaining contemporary list of farmers which will be useful in conducting future surveys and identifying major farm problems. The Ministry of Agriculture will work towards developing programmes to combat the problems identified, when the report is completed. The Agricultural Extension Division in the Ministry of Agriculture held its 50th anniversary of the Annual Plot-to-Plot Competition to coincide with World Food Day. The competition which had been in existence for 50 years, awards the most outstanding producer of crop or livestock the coveted title of Farmer of the Year. The selection was made by a team of judges who visited the farms registered for the competition. This year, good agricultural practices were used as the criteria for judging and Mr. Gerald Lewis was awarded the Farmer of the Year title. The Technical Specialist assisted in announcing the winners. 6

7 d. Agri-food trade and the development of agribusinesses The Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority (ABIA) was established by the Investment Authority Act in late 2006 and the office was opened for business early in The ABIA is a statutory organisation formed by the government of Antigua and Barbuda to promote the country and attract local and foreign investment. Its mandate is to promote Antigua and Barbuda as a premier investment jurisdiction; compile and disseminate information on available investment opportunities; assist investors to obtain fiscal incentives to support their projects; develop local entrepreneurs including the provision of technical assistance and business advisory services; provide aftercare services to existing investors and improve the investment climate of the country. The Authority has a number of departments namely: Investment Promotion Department, Investment Facilitation Department, Enterprise Development Department and Office Administration Department. It is envisioned that the ABIA will stimulate more investments in the country both of local and foreign owned businesses and make the whole process of investing in a business or project much easier, with the potential for increasing the rate of growth of the economy. Through the Enterprise Development Department, agri-business enterprises will be able to access the provisions of the Small Business Development Act #24 of 2007 and its regulations. The Act has prescribed activities which will receive incentives and concessions, including agro-processing. e. Agricultural health and food safety In preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup, the units responsible for plant quarantine and animal quarantine implemented a number of processes that would facilitate the easy flow of plant and animal matter while not jeopardising the plant and animal health situation of the country. This was done with limited staff and at a time when new ports on entry were opened. Nevertheless, the quarantine personnel were able to meet these challenges effectively. There is however, a need to increase the understanding and compliance of the public to the plant and animal quarantine regulations. The Dog Registration and Control Authority Act which was passed in 2006 was implemented in 2007, with the dog licensing programme and micro-chipping coming into effect. All dogs in the country must be licensed under the Act. The next stage of gathering unlicensed dogs should be implemented in As a result of this legislation being implemented, there should be a reduction in losses of small livestock and young calves to dog attack. At present, it is very difficult to receive compensation for losses as a number of these dogs are strays without owners. Implementation of the Act will bring greater control of the stray dogs. Honey production has been reduced in Antigua as many bees died from the Varroa Vampire Mite infection, which was discovered early in The members of the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative was unable to fulfil the market demand 7

8 for local honey as throughout the year, more than 80 per cent of the honey bees died. The loss affected not only the beekeepers, but especially crop farmers who depend on the bees to pollinate their plants to in order to produce fruits. The agricultural sector has become very concerned by this loss. The Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative has prepared a project proposal to seek funding for resuscitating the beekeeping sub-sector. The pest has not been detected in Barbuda. The OAS sponsored Agro-Tourism Project continued in 2007 with training of crop and livestock producers in Good Agricultural Practices, with farms working towards GAPs certification. f. Sustainable rural development The Government of Antigua and Barbuda undertook a CDB sponsored poverty assessment survey titled: Living conditions in Antigua and Barbuda: Poverty in a Services Economy in Transition and the findings of the assessment was released in 2007 at a public consultation. Among some of the findings were that the highest percentage of poverty existed in the city of St. John s and its immediate environs 38.6% and 23.3% respectively. Poverty is marginal in the rural areas except for St. Philip with 6.3%; children and youth (below19 years) represented the largest group at 47.6%, with the elderly over 65 years being the next poorer group at 7.8%. The assessment also found that women were poorer than men at 52.8% and 47.2% respectively. Women and the young continue to be the groups most affected by poverty therefore social and agricultural programmes should continue to bring relief to these segments of the population. In Antigua and Barbuda the poor is not concentrated in rural areas, but in the city and its environs, this means that programmes must be developed to suit the particular opportunities that this location offers. These urban poor in the city and its environs could be encouraged to seek employment away from the city in rural areas where there is always a need for labour in agriculture. Ideally, these persons should be encouraged to set up their own enterprises and receive training in enterprise development and farm management. 8

9 4) Results of the Implementation of the National Technical Cooperation Agenda in Antigua and Barbuda during 2007: a. IICA s contribution to the repositioning of agriculture and rural life The Fourth Ministerial Meeting on Agriculture and Rural Life in the Americas and Inter-American Board on Agriculture was held in Guatemala in July At this meeting, Ministers of Agriculture in the Hemisphere agreed on strategic actions for the biennium. In the months leading up to this meeting, the ministerial delegate and alternate delegate were assisted in conducting the field portion of the National Consultation on Expectations of Leaders. Agriculture stakeholders in the country were interviewed to determine their expectation for the next five years. Agribusiness persons, sector groups, producers, marketing agencies, agricultural technicians, and organizations providing support services to the sector represented, made inputs to the questionnaire. This questionnaire was compiled online for the country. As a result of this process over twenty persons improved their awareness of the ministerial process and were able to make a contribution to the process. The IICA Office provided technical assistance to the ministerial delegate in the preparation of the national report towards the fourth ministerial meeting. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture was sponsored to attend the Fourth Ministerial Meeting and the IABA and was able to contribute to the discussions leading to the Hemispheric Ministerial Agreement Guatemala Technical assistance was given to Caribbean Agri-Business Association, a constituent of the Alliance for Sustainable Development of Agriculture in the Rural Milieu, to develop its work plan (Looking Ahead to the Development of the Agribusiness Sector in Antigua and Barbuda) for private sector agri-businesses that will enhance the capacity of agri-businesses in Antigua and Barbuda to increase the competitiveness and the profitability of their enterprises. The plan has seven broad headings, namely: i Collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to fulfil sector mandates; ii Work with SMEs in the sector; iii Lobby government on land and water policy; iv. Work towards improving security in the sector; v. Improving the image of the sector; vi. Collaboration with sector groups and vii. Financing the sector Arising out of the plan three sub-committees were developed, these are: Agriculture- Tourism, Agricultural Exhibition and Buy Local. Each of the committees has developed programmes for implementation in All committees have both public and private sector representatives, as they seek to develop stronger public- 9

10 private sector partnerships. Indeed, the plan generally seeks to foster greater collaboration between the private and public sector of agriculture and related sectors. The Project Management Unit of the CABA Regional Multilateral Investment Fund with a project titled Strengthening Market Access Opportunities for SMEs in the Caribbean Agri-Food Industry and which is funded by the International Development Bank visited Antigua for three days. The project goal is to promote competitiveness and export capacity of the SMEs in the Agri-Food industry in CARICOM Member States. The project s main objective is to improve SMEs knowledge and compliance with Food Safety Requirements, Standards and Trade rules, thus improving their access to regional and international specialty food markets. The PMU comprised of the Project Manager, Communication Consultant, and two SPI consultants. While here, they met with the Minister and Permanent Secretary of Agriculture, Minister of Finance and agri-sector stakeholders. The one-on-one stakeholder meetings involved producers and a processor who currently export or have plans to export in the near future. A general agri-business stakeholders consultation was held on September 18 th at the Cashew Hill Moravian Conference Centre and was attended by over sixty persons. This audience represented all sub-sectors of agriculture, including extension officers. The visiting Project Management Unit presented the project as the first part of the session looked at the CABA Regional MIF Project; what the project seeks to achieve and the benefits to stakeholders. The second part of the session led by the local chapter president, discussed the national chapter work plan called Looking Ahead to the Development of the Agribusiness Sector in Antigua and Barbuda. b. Promoting trade and the competitiveness of agribusiness The capacity of the Antigua and Barbuda Agro-processor Association to conduct their enterprises competitively was enhanced through technical assistance provided to the group. The Association received technical assistance to develop a brief, which outlined the Association s concerns and needs with regards to the recently introduced Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (January 29 th 2007). The brief was presented to the Minister of Finance and his senior technical officers at a meeting. The Association also received technical guidance for their discussions with the Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank regarding a potential market for locally processed value added products to be exported to Norway. The Association needs further technical assistance in order for it to advance to the next step. 10

11 Agro-processors and Minster of Finance Agro-Processors meet Finance Officials Nine agro-processors showcased their products at the second annual IICA Mostoutstanding Agro-processors Award competition held during the Annual Christian Valley Mango Festival in July. The products displayed included dried fruits, sauces, preserves, drinks, ice cream, and baked goods. The products were displayed in very attractive and innovative ways that created an opportunity for potential consumers to taste and buy the products. The competition also afforded the opportunity for the processors to interface with visitors and provided an opportunity for marketing their products. 1st Place Overall, Susie s Hot Sauce Best Hot Sauce, Picante Peppers Technical assistance was also given to the planning committee of the Mango Festival to conduct the event, as well as, the Publicity, Awards and Transportation subcommittee. Over two thousand persons attended the Mango Festival, which was held for two days. The event is now an activity on the calendar of events for Antigua and Barbuda and is seen by visitors and residents as a fun family activity. The main beneficiaries targeted were the residents of the neighbouring communities of Jennings, Christian Valley, Bolans, and Jolly Hill. IICA Agro-processors Competition Judges 11

12 In collaboration with CARDI and the Ministry of Agriculture, the capacity of agribusiness entrepreneurs in the country to conduct successful enterprises was enhanced as a result of the launch of an agri-business eight module CD Rom. The modules one to eight are: introduction to agri-business, agri-business management, business strategy in agri-business firms, marketing in the agri-business sector, production and operation systems in agribusiness management, development in the agri-business sector, finance and financing, human resource management. The CD Rom was designed to strengthen the technical capacity of extension officers and other agri-business intermediaries to advise agri-business entrepreneurs on ways to improve the profitability and competitiveness of their enterprises. In attendance at the launch were agriculture extension officers and other agriculture technicians, CARDI technicians, representatives of Antigua and Barbuda Development Bank and National Development Foundation. c. Strengthening agricultural health and food safety systems In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Central Board of Health, the office assisted in the planning, coordination and execution of a series of training in food safety that was conducted for eleven months of Other trainers included persons from the Ministry of Agriculture, Antigua and Barbuda Bureau of Standards and the Home Economic Teachers Association. The goal of the training was to equip food service providers with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude in food safety. Over three thousand persons representing street food vendors, farmers, agroprocessors, fisher folk, caterers, restaurateurs, community and church groups were trained and the safety of foods is expected to improve as a result. Initially, the training targeted the food vendors for the International Cricket World Cup 2007 in April, but was expanded. The Plant Protection Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture now has increased understanding of the country s obligations to international SPS agreements by participating in the WTO SPS meeting in held in June 2007 in Geneva. Antigua was represented in only one of the three meetings held last year. Sponsorship to attend the meetings was provided by the SPS Initiative of the Americas project which ended in A new Standard and Trade Development Facility project is slated to commence in IICA provided technical assistance for the planning and implementation of the Twelfth Meeting of the Coordinating Group of Pesticides Control Board in the Caribbean. Antigua and Barbuda was the host country for this annual meeting that was held in September. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Malvern Spencer, the chairman of the Pesticides Control Board of Antigua and Barbuda. 12

13 The meeting sought to address issues related to pesticide use and safety in the Caribbean, thereby improving the quality of life through improved safety of the food produced in the countries. Safe pesticide use also promotes better environmental management and the protection of vulnerable ecosystems. IICA Opening Remarks of CGPC 12 th Annual Meeting d. Promoting the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment The office, through its participation on the National Focal Group of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) supported the promotion of sustainable management of the environment. Technical assistance was provided for the planning of two national stakeholder consultations of the GEF Small Grants Program. The consultation sought to enhance the capacity of rural groups to develop and implement projects designed to improve natural resource management and protection of the environment while earning a livelihood. A country programme strategy was also developed as an outcome of these consultations. The consultations had representatives from various community based groups and non-governmental organizations in Antigua and Barbuda. Chairman of NFG leads GEF consultation Mangrove swamps need our protection e. Strengthening rural communities based on the territorial approach IICA supported a member of the Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Forum for Youth, a young farmer, to attend a Caribbean Agricultural Forum for Youth workshop and meeting in held in Dominica and a youth workshop in Jamaica, the later held during 13

14 the Caribbean Week of Agriculture. Through these interventions an ABAFY member strengthened his income earning capacity. Technical assistance was given to the Bethesda Rural Women Group, as well as the Antigua and Barbuda Beekeepers Cooperative. The bee keepers have been seeking funding for a project to resuscitate the beekeeping industry that had suffered a decline in income earning capability as a result of bee pests. Assistance to develop the project document and seek funding was provided to the group. The office participated in the Caribbean Preparatory Meeting of the Tenth Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean, hosted by the Directorate of Gender Affairs. The meeting developed and arrived at consensus on the issues impacting women in the Caribbean, in preparation for the regional meeting. Women continue to be a group that needed special support as their needs have been ignored for too long. For this reason, many of the Institute s programme specifically targeted women. IICA also provided technical advice to the Backyard Gardeners Plant Clinic coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Central Marketing Corporation. After the clinic, follow-up site visits were made with an extension officer and the CARDI Country Leader to the home based gardens, to help enhance the capacity of the producers to effectively manage pest problems in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. 5) Results of Interagency Cooperation The office promoted two CDB agro-processing workshops which were held in St. Lucia. Six members of the association and one producer benefited from information passed from the office to the members and led to their participation in a workshop conducted by CBD in St. Lucia and Dominica on agro-processing and food safety. Participants of the training have improved their management of their enterprises by applying the practices learnt. A presentation on Good Agriculture Practices for Food Service Providers was delivered at a Training of Trainers Sub-regional Workshop and Symposium on Food Hygiene and Sanitation Practices sponsored by the CDB and held in St. Kitts. The workshop targeted senior managers responsible for food safety in the public and private sector in the Caribbean and included representatives from at least ten countries. An output of the workshop was the development of a training manual for use during food safety training in the countries in preparation for ICC Cricket World Cup as well as the CBD workshop for agro-processors held in Dominica and St. Lucia. The office participated in a workshop on Training of Trainers in Food Safety-Serv Safe for four days, at the City View Hotel in Antigua. The workshop was organised by CAREC/PAHO/WHO and hosted the by the Ministry of Health. IICA assisted with 14

15 planning and coordination on the ground for the workshop in collaboration with the Central Board of Health. The thirty participants received certificates and formed a core of trainers, some of whom participated in the food safety training for food service personnel, held over eleven months of the year. This training was enhanced with Training in Food Borne Disease Outbreak Investigation for Mass Gatherings for three days organised by the CAREC/PAHO/WHO, at the Fisheries Division, Point Wharf in Antigua. 6) Other Activities Accountability Seminar 2007 Technical Specialist at Representatives Week The Office participated in other events namely: a fifteen minute radio interview that reported on activities for 2006 and plans for 2007; an interview on Biosafety as part of the Environment Division Ecozone educational television programme, and conducted the Accountability Seminar at the Point Wharf in June, all in an effort to increase the visibility and accountability of the Institute in Antigua and Barbuda. The Technical Specialist attended the Institutional Planning and Management Meeting for the Caribbean held in Georgetown Guyana in August and the Representatives Week held in San Jose, Costa Rica in October, where the programmes for the Institute were developed, with the input of the country as agreed in the National Technical Cooperation Agenda. 7) New Opportunities for Technical Cooperation There has been a renewed interest in green house production and this represents an area for technical cooperation in Additionally the office will continue its technical cooperation activities with agriculture sub-sector groups such as ABAFY, CABA, CANROP, Agro-processors Association and Beekeepers Cooperative, and other sector groups. Some new opportunities also exist with the SDTF project on SPS that will commence in 2008, as well as, training in the use of the agro-matrix and on agriculture quarantine. There is also some potential for developing a regular programme for home based producers and other in integrated pest management methods. 15

16 8) Main Activities Organized by IICA Five Most Important Events Organised by the IICA Office in Antigua and Barbuda in 2007 Official Name of the Event Date Held Event Site 1. Five Keys to Food Safety Training 2. Agri-business CDROM Launch 3. IICA Accountability Seminar 4. CABA Stakeholders Consultation 5. IICA Most Outstanding Agro-processor Award Competition Feb. to Dec. 17 May 14 June 18 Sept 15 July Multipurpose Cultural Centre, St. John s Fisheries Division Conference Room, St. John s Fisheries Division Conference Room, St. John s Moravian Conference Centre, Cashew Hill, St. John s Christian Valley Agricultural Station, St. Mary Number of Participants Event Report Publication Date and Place IICA Office Antigua December 2007 IICA Office Antigua May 2007 IICA Office Antigua June 2007 IICA Office Antigua September 2007 IICA Office Antigua July

17 9) List of Publications 1.1 The Contribution of IICA to the Development of Agriculture and Rural Communities 2006 Annual Report, IICA Office in Antigua and Barbuda,

18 10) List of Acronyms ABAFY ABIA AHFS BCH CABA CAFY CANROP CARDI CAREC CBH CDB CGPC ECCB GAP GARDC GDP GEF GRICA IABA ICC IICA MIF MOA NDF NFG NTCA OAS PAHO PMU SMEs SPS SPI STDF WHO WTO Antigua and Barbuda Agricultural Forum for Youth Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority Agriculture Health and Food Safety Biosafety Clearing House Caribbean Agribusiness Association Caribbean Agricultural Forum for Youth Caribbean Network of Rural Women Producers Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute Caribbean Epidemiology Center Central Board of Health Caribbean Development Bank Coordinating Group Pesticides Control Eastern Caribbean Central Bank Good Agricultural Practices Gilberts Agricultural and Rural Development Centre Gross Domestic Product Global Environmental Facility Group for the Implementation and Coordination of the Agreements on Agriculture and Rural Life of the Summits Process Inter-American Board of Agriculture International Cricket Council Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture Multilateral investment Fund Ministry of Agriculture National Development Foundation National Focal Group National Technical Cooperation Agenda Organization of American States Pan American Health Organization Project Management Unit Small and Medium Enterprises Sanitary and Phytosanitary Sociedada Portuguesa de Inovacao Standard and Trade Development Facility World Health Organisation World Trade Organization 18